The city of Bizerte

The city of Bizerte lies in northern Tunisia, between the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Bizerte, about 60 km from Tunis. It is known for its diverse beaches (Rimel, Sidi Selem, Les Grottes) and its rich historical heritage. Bizerte is the capital of a governorate with over half a million inhabitants. The city itself had 136,917 inhabitants in 2014. Surrounded by the Mediterranean to the north and east, and the lakes of Bizerte and Ichkeul to the south, the city connects to Menzel Bouguiba and Tabarka via a corridor. A movable bridge links it to Zarzouna and then Tunis. Bizerte is also known for its eclectic population, its medina on the edge of a small fishing port, and its “Lablebi” sandwich, a typical Bizertine specialty.

Bizerte was originally a Phoenician and later Roman trading post. It developed from the 13th century under the Hafsid dynasty. The city served as a land of asylum, welcoming Andalusians expelled from Spain during the Inquisition in the 17th century, and White Russians at the beginning of the 20th century, some of whom still live in Bizerte.

The City of Bizerte : History and Heritage

Under the French protectorate of 1881, Bizerte became an important French military base due to its strategic position. The French evacuated the base in 1963. The city remains marked by the mixing of the populations who lived there. Consequently, it offers a unique blend of cultures and traditions. Ultimately, the city of Bizerte offers an unforgettable journey into Tunisia’s coastal and historical heritage.